I find it to be a most interesting feeling to know when I'm almost done with something. I can't really describe it to anyone, but a sinking anticipation is the best I can give. Like a countdown to something unknowable that you cannot stop...and at some point, you're not even sure you want to. Anime Expo is rapidly reaching the point where it may have to be put paid, or it may have already reached that point...the next few months will tell me that. I get ahead of myself, however.

As it has been the past few years, and for the next five years at least (since they've signed a new contract with the venue), Anime Expo has taken place at the Los Angeles Convention Center and surrounding venues. This year it played host to over 90,000 attendees, which is an unreal amount of people, and one I truly believe if trying to get through its dealer's hall was any indication of those numbers. I'm reminded a great deal of the final couple of years I went to Comic Con, what I experienced there, and how it felt. Very much like now, to be honest. Up to and including the way you could almost not even move in some places there were so many.

Back from ACEN, and noting I'm not 21 anymore...and can't party all night and shrug it off like I used to. Regardless, we have pics for you to fawn over. As is usual, if you're one of the cosplayers and see your pic in there, drop me a line if you wish, and I'll make them available.

It should probably be noted at the beginning that if one is a photographer, it becomes an act of masochistic love to go to a convention of shiny cosplayers (yes, that was a deliberate Pokemon reference) with carpal tunnel syndrome. Thankfully, Anime Conji is a small convention and not the much larger Wondercon up in Anaheim. As it was, every single time I hefted the camera and took a photo, lancing pain through my hands and up my forarms was my reward.

This is the fifth year of Anime Conji, taking place at the Sheraton Hotel in the Marina across from the San Diego International Airport (no, really, you can walk across the highway to the airport just outside of the hotel) as it did the previous year. I admit to liking the Town and Country a lot better than the Sheraton due to the fact that it's a lot more accessible and the Fashion Valley Mall was in back of it, so one could bail out and get something to eat. Now, granted everything was spread all over the place at the Town and Country, but I'm thinking this could have mitigated somewhat by reserving more of the convention center proper with all of its little outlying rooms, but who knows how the hotel may have logistically fucked that one up to make that a nonstarter. But, whatever, it's at the Sheraton...nothing else to be done. Admittedly I wasn't planning on attending initially, but events did conspire to allow me the time and inclination to head over there. I'm not entirely certain what I went to, however. By that, I mean, a convention has a certain feel to it. This event was not lacking in it per se, but it was greatly lessened. Oddly, I even ran into an overbearing floor manager, and got kicked out of the Improv Masquerade, which is usually a threat at the larger conventions with such individuals; yet, even that didn't quite make me feel like I was at a convention. I think I get what it was, but I'll save that for later.

With a little love, and some tenderness; we'll walk upon the water...well, maybe not, but I was listening to Hootie and the Blowfish while editing this last convention of Anime Conji 2015's pictures. There were other, higher profile conventions going on this past weekend, but there's much to be said about a smaller one with a lot less running around and stress. It's also a lot more personable, since you tend to run into the same people a lot. I doubt you want to hear me ramble on, so check out the pics. As is usual, if you see your pic and you want a larger/unedited and/or raw copy, drop me a line and let me know. And as always, have fun!

Yet again, in an effort to be more responsible, I've gotten the pics for Anime Expo 2014 up. Unlike previous year's this will unfortunately be all the pics for this year given I was the only one of the DA and TFA crew to be able to make it. Regardless, I hope you all enjoy them. For all those cosplayers that gave me cards of some sort, I'll be emailing notices in a few days...unless you're already here and have what you want, heh. However, as is usual for all cosplayers, if you see your picture and want larger and/or raw photos of let me know and I'll make them available. Enjoy!

In what I can only commit seppuku for, since these pics are in that risque category I was talking about, and we now have an adult check...of sorts...I have now uploaded the pics from last year's Myth: Legends of Burlesque and Magic taken by Mayhem.

It was a fantastic show; truly there is no doubt about that. It was one of the best events that I'd ever been at during any convention, and I look forward to this year's. If any of the performers want larger and/or raw copies of these pics, let me know and I'll make them available. For everyone else...enjoy responsibly, heh.

In what has to be record time, I have the 2014 Anime Central Pics up in the gallery at TFA Cosplay. Despite some of the press related issues, the convention goers themselves continue to outdo themselves time and time again, and this year was no exception. Though I will say it's damn near impossible to get to a gathering and take pictures anymore, due to the shear amount of people and photographers there. Still, you're not here to listen to me bitch, so click that link up there; you won't be dissapointed.

As is usual, if you're one of the cosplayers and want a larger and or raw version of the photos, message us via whatever method suits you best, and we'll make them available.

After a couple of weeks of procrastination, I now have the Anime Conji 2014 report up. It was an interesting convention in a lot of ways, as it wound up breaking convention (ha! I pun!) in several ways, and I wound up taking the time to do the same. In terms of checking out the Nerf war and panels I usually wouldn't it was an interesting time this year. Check out my little writeup; it may convince you to check the convention out if you're ever in the area to do so.

And finally, I get the Sac Anime Summer 2013 report done. With the small convention mentality, but the larger growing numbers, this one is at what many would term the sweet spot for pure enjoyment. I had a good time anyway, but why take just my statement here at face value? Check out my report for more detail.